Braves grown up a bit for NLCS matchup against the Dodgers
(AP Photo/Eric Gay)ARLINGTON, Texas – Those Baby Braves that faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in the playoffs two years ago have grown up a little bit, and have even won a couple of postseason series. “We’re really, really strong. There will still be no fans for the AL Championship Series games in San Diego. That allotment sold out for Game 1 and three other NLCS games so far, as well as all every World Series game. SHORT HOPSBraves third base coach Ron Washington was manager of the Texas Rangers from 2007-14, including their only World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.
Acuña HR, plunked again, Braves top Marlins 9-5 to open NLDS
Acuña got things going for the Braves in the bottom of the first when he sent Alcantara’s second pitch into right-center for a homer. Braves manager Brian Snitker said that even though he didn’t believe this pitch was on purpose, the Marlins have hit Acuña far too many times. The Braves trailed 4-3 in the seventh before Austin Riley and Acuña hit consecutive singles with no outs to chase Alcantara. The shot caused the Braves dugout to erupt with Acuña jumping over the railing to celebrate. UP NEXTRight-hander Pablo Lopez will make his postseason debut when he starts for the Marlins in Game 2 against Ian Anderson.
Masking up: Protective coverings not just for MLB dugouts
Protective face coverings won't be out of sight when Major League Baseball resumes in less than two weeks. New York Yankees outfielder Clint Frazier has been experimenting with various masks during intrasquad scrimmages. At 68, Washington has seen fellow Braves coach Eric Young Sr. and Mets hitting coach Chili Davis opt out this season. I trust the protocol that MLB has in place and I also trust Ron Washington even more.This is very safe, he said Sunday, adding, Sixty games? More umpires are expected to start working intrasquad games this week.
What Would Have Been: World Series rematch at MLB midpoint
The Astros were scheduled to spend July 4 in the nation's capital during a three-game series against the defending World Series champion Nationals. Houston won all three games at Nationals Park last October. The Associated Press looks at some of the sporting events that had been scheduled the week of June 29-July 5:WORLD SERIES REMATCH: The Houston Astros were scheduled to spend July 4 in the nation's capital during a three-game series against the defending World Series champion Washington Nationals. Houston won all three games at Nationals Park last October. WASH IN TEXAS: Ron Washington is the winningest manager for the Rangers, and led them to their only two World Series appearances in 2010 and 2011.